MELAKA: The vice-president of the Federation of Malaysia Lim Associations claimed trial at the Sessions Court here for using an unrecognised "Datuk Seri" honorary title.

The accused Lim Teng Huat, 67, pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read before Judge Mohd Sabri Ismail in Mandarin on Tuesday (Aug 15).

Based on the charge sheet, the accused had allegedly used an unrecognised Datuk Seri with a Darjah Kurnia Paduka Seri Diraja Perak (DSDP) title.

The offence was allegedly committed at the Melaka Registrar of Societies office in Melaka Tengah on Oct 14, 2019.

The charge was framed under Section 7(3) of the Perak Emblems, Titles and Awards (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment and was punishable under Section 7(4) of the same Enactment.

A maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both, may be imposed upon conviction.

The accused who is also the chairman of the Lim Clan Association of Melaka was represented by counsel Khaw Thian Keat while Deputy Public Prosecutor Puteri Nor Nadia Mohamed Iqbal prosecuted.

The court granted bail of RM30,000 with one surety and ordered the international passport of the accused to be handed over to the court.

The next mention date has been fixed on Sept 12.